The North American Hairstyling Awards, NAHA, is produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) will celebrate 25 years in 2014 as the beauty industry’s leading honor. Bangstyle had the pleasure of getting to know the amazingly talented Dilek Onur-Taylor, one of this year's nominees in the "Texture" category. Check out our exclusive interview with Dilek to learn a bit more about her collections and what fuels her passion for hair.
Tell us a bit about your nominated collection. What was the creative process like? Inspiration?
Wow, so many things... I'm attracted to hair that is aesthetically pleasing and provokes emotion. Hair is like fabric and I like to push it to the limit with different textures and shapes... I love hair that moves and tells a story. I am constantly saving images of hair, fashion and creative photography that I find beautiful (3,879 to be exact!) Any down time I may have I find myself perusing through these images...
Where there collections in other categories that you found inspiring?
Yes absolutely, I have to say all of the categories. I know that there is so much thought, preparation and passion were put into all of the submissions...I see something fantastic in every category and it tells me about the artist that created it.
What time of day do you feel most creative?
I don't think there is a particular time of day... It's usually something I may see or hear that triggers my imagination to run wild!
What is your favorite aspect of being a stylist?
No two days are ever alike and no two stylists are the same.
What was one defining moment in your career?
Only submitting for NAHA twice and being nominated both times, two years in a row ... Saying I'm honored would be an understatement.
What fuels your passion? In other words, what gets you out of bed in the morning?
I'm passionate about education...It has given me the opportunity to be where I am today. It's very important to me to give back to the the industry that I love the most... Training and sharing my knowledge to inspire new and upcoming stylists every chance I get.
Are you on Social Media? For business or just personal? What kind of people/brands do you follow?
Yes, I started with personal and it has evolved into professional too. I follow all things beauty, fashion, hair, makeup... And salon business forums!
What non-hair related areas do you constantly find yourself being inspired by?
Furniture design, travel and architecture... My 3 obsessions!
Do you have a ritual or lucky item you'll be bringing to the awards?
I'm pretty superstitious... So, my Hamsa & evil eye will be with me and of course my fingers will be crossed all night :)
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sleeping past 6:30am.
